Window safety latch

ABSTRACT

A safety latch for windows, especially rolling or sliding windows, comprising a pull handle integrally formed with the latch and a double catch for providing improved secure closing of a window sash attached thereto.

United States Patent [191 nu Cribben July 8, 1975 {54} WINDOW SAFETY LATCH 3,161,923 l2/l964 Crain 49/449 X 3,220,759 ll/l965 Miller 49/450 X 1 lnvemo" games Mechamcsburg 3.808,?42 5/1974 Ehretetal. 49 449x a. I I C I P M C FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [73] Assgnee' gi'g tg 956,998 4/1964 United Kingdom 49/449 Filed: Jan. 2, 19 4 Primary Examiner-Kenneth Downey 21 A L N J 429,732 Attorney, Agent, or FirmDnald L. Johnson; John F. l 1 pp 0 Sieberth; Paul H. Leonard [52] US. Cl. 49/449; 292/128; 292/DIG. 46 51 lm. CI A. Ed 13/04 [57] ABSTRACT 5 Field f Search 49/449 50; 292/1 16, A safety latch for wlndows. especially rolling or sliding 292/1316 46, I20, 128 winduws, comprising a pull handle integrally formed with the latch and a double catch for providing im- [56] References Cited proved secure closing of a window sash attached UNITED STATES PATENTS 272,360 2/1882 Warren H 292/: 16 x 10 Claims, 6 Drawing Figur s l8 7| W4 ea k -94 3O 85 r 9 9! 57 D52 0| 3% I02 60 x E i i 59 P A IENTFQIIJUL 8 I975 SHEET FIG. 3.

FIG. 4.

FIG. 6.

WINDOW SAFETY LATCH BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the window art and more specifically to new and useful improvements in a latch mechanism for horizontal rolling or sliding window sash constructions.

There are a variety of prior art window constructions of the horizontal or lateral type which serve to provide in a window opening one or more fixed sashes in combination with one or more horizontally operable or movable sashes which slide or roll in parallel relationship with the fixed sash components. There are a number of features of construction in these prior art structures which are disadvantageous for various reasons.

Prior art latch constructions are usually complex and expensive structures. They are often unsightly and difficult to operate. They also often fail to provide adequate security.

US. Pat. No. 3.078.524 to Minick is illustrative of one particular type of prior art latch which has met with some degree of commercial success. Other prior art latches for sliding windows. etc. are illustrated by US. Pat. Nos. 3.660.936; 3.535.823; 3.490.176; 3.440.768; 3.280.511 and 2.830.843.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel double catch. combination safety latch and pull handle.

It is another object of the invention to provide a new and improved latch which is simply constructed and easy to operate. whereby the pull handle is integrally formed with the latch. Such construction eliminates the necessity of having a pull handle extruded into a moving sash jamb stile.

Since windows, although being perfectly made. are often installed out of square. the unique double latch feature of the instant invention not only provides a latch which is effective in such faulty installation. but also provides extra security.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description hereinafter and the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a new and improved latch for rolling or sliding windows. especially metal or aluminum extruded windows. The latch comprises a pull handle integrally formed therewith and a double catch system for providing enhanced security.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. is a view similar to FIG. 3, and illustrates the 6 latch in an open position and the removal of the window panel on which the sash is mounted; and

FIG. 6 is a side view of the latch spring.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention relates to a window construction of the type including one or more fixed sash panels and one or more horizontally sliding sash panels all contained and supported within a frame in which all component sections (head. sill and stile) are formed from a common onepicce structural member. In this window unit. the glazing or the fixed and sliding panels is secure and weathertight. The movable panels are provided with a latch member serving as a functional hand grip for moving the sliding panels horizontally of the frame relative to the fixed panels and automatically operating to lock the movable panel in its closed position.

In the descriptions hereinafter and in the accompanying drawings. for purposes of illustration. the concepts of the present invention are exemplary disclosed in the form ofa double panelled window with one panel fixed and one panel movable or slidable. The invention is equally applicable to windows having a plurality of panels. both fixed and movable. and in a variety of cooperative relationships one to the other. It is neither in tended nor contemplated that the scope of this inven' tion be limited in any way whatsoever.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1. the numeral 10 designates. generally. a window or window unit constructed in accordance with the instant invention. The window It} includes a frame 12 for installation directly in a window opening. The frame 12 comprises a sill member 14. a header l6, and interconnecting side bars. a right hand vent jamb l8 and a left hand vent jamb 19. The sill and header are interconnected vertically intermediate the length of the frame by a center bar or meeting rail defining within the frame two like openings on either side thereof. Each of said openings is closed by a glazed panel. one fixed 22 (not seen) and one slidable 24. In addition. the opening in front of the fixed panel 22 is provided with a removable storm sash 26 enclosing one side thereof within the frame component. The opening in front of the sliding panel 24 is also provided with a removable storm sash 28 which encloses one side thereof within the frame component.

In installation in a light opening. the window construction of the present invention is preferably installed so that the storm sashes 26 and 28 are interiorily hung. FIG. I shows the window as viewed from a normally indoor side.

Sliding sash 24 is equipped with a safety latch 30 which can be seen in more detail in FIGS. 25. In the various views. like numerals represent the same parts throughout.

In FIG. 2, the latch 30 is illustrated in its locked position. with the storm sash 28 in position in the window frame. The storm sash 28 must be slid sideways or horizontally from in front of the latch 30 before the latch can be operated. In FIG. 3, it is readily seen that the panel 28 is slid to the left in a track in the window frame thereby exposing the latch 30 for operation. For ease in installation of sash. the head track is twich as deep as the sill track.

The storm sash 28 is constructed in the normal manner. wherein a glazed panel 32 is mounted in a frame 34 comprising a top rail 36 and a bottom rail 38 joined together by a jamb stile 40 and an interlock stile 42. A

resilient continuous strip 43 of vinyl or other suitable material. somewhat U-shaped. is provided for receiving and engaging a continuous marginal edge portion of the glazed panel 32. The jamb stile is provided with a finger rail 44 which takes the form of an extension 45 of the front side 46 of the stile 40 and a pair of spaced apart flanges 47 and 48. Flange 47 is perpendicular to the extension 45 and flange 48 extends at a right angle therefrom. Flange 48 has a relatively short flange 49 thereon and perpendicular thereto. The flange 49 is also substantially parallel to the extension 45. The finger rail 44 enables the panel 28 to be readily slide away from the jamb 18 as seen in FIG. 3.

The jamb 18 is an elongated extruded structural member and comprises a flat web 50 extending transversely of the width of the structural member throughout its longitudinal length and having a thermal break 52 therein. One longitudinal edge of the web 50 is provided with a flange 54 perpendicular thereto. The other longitudinal edge of the web 50 is also provided with a flange 56 also perpendicular thereto. One end of the flange 56 has a flange 58 extending at a right angle therefrom parallel to the web 50 and toward the flange 54. One end of the flange 54 provides one side of a track for receiving the jamb stile 40 of the storm sash 28. A flange 57 extends perpendicularly from the web 50 between the thermal break 52 and the flange 54 and parallel to the end 55 of the flange 54 and provides the other side of the track for receiving the jamb stile 40. The flange or projecting 57 has an enlarged portion 59 thereon enabling a resilient insulating member 60 to be positioned thereon. When the stile 40 is mounted in the jamb 18. the insulating member 60 exerts sufficient pressure on one side of the stile 40 to hold the panel 28 firmly in the window track.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the web 50 of the jamb 18 has a flange or projection 62 extending perpendicularly therefrom between the thermal break 52 and the end flange 56. The flange 62 has an enlarged portion 61 on the end thereof which has a meeting surface 63 for engaging the catch mechanism of the latch 30, which will be described more fully hereinafter, and a meeting surface 64 for engaging the locking stile 41 of the panel 24, also which will be explained in more detail hereinafter. Between the projection 62 and end flange 56, the web 50 has a perpendicular member 65 extending therefrom which has a resilient member 66 mounted therein for making pressure contact with the locking stile of the slid-able panel 24.

The perpendicular member 65 has a right angle member 68 on the end thereof which has a flange 70 extending at a right angle therefrom and parallel to the perpendicular member 65. The flange 70 has a plurality of notches or grooves 71 extending longitudinally therein. Extending perpendicularly from the perpendicular member 65 and intermediate of the right angle member 68 and web 50 then outwardly away from the web 50 and then parallel to the member 65, is a member 72. The member 72 has a flange 74 on the end thereof which extends at right angles on each side thereof and is parallel and in line with the member 68. The member 65 and member 72 provide an opening or channel 76 for receiving a portion of the resilient member 66.

The resilient member 66 is an elongated rectangular tubular member one side 67 thereof which is notched or channeled so as to be received by the notches 71 of the member 70. On the opposite side of the resilient member 66 a foot member 78 extends outwardly from one end thereof and a projection member 8" extends laterally therefrom. The projection member 80 has an enlarged portion 81 on the end thereof which is adapted to be inserted in the opening 76. One side of the underside of the projection member 80 is adjacent the upper inside surface of the flange 74. Another member 82 extends at a right angle from the member 80 and has a surface thereon adapted to fit against a portion of the exterior surface of the flange 74. The foot member 78 is of a somewhat sickle shape configuration in cross-section with the sickle" extending toward the web 50. A knob or enlarged portion 79 is formed on the end of the sickle 78.

The sliding panel 24 is somewhat similarly constructed to the storm panel 28, but has a locking stile 41 in lieu ofajamb stile. A glazed panel 31 is mounted in a frame 33 comprising a top rail 35 (FIG. 1) and a bottom rail 37 (not seen) joined together by a lock stile 41 and a meeting stile 39 (not seen)v A continuous resilient strip 51 of vinyl or other suitable material. some what U-shaped. is provided for receiving and engaging a continuous marginal edge portion of the glazed panel 31.

The lock stile 41 of the frame 33 is provided with a locking rail 53 which is so constructed as to receive the latch 30. The locking rail 53 is somewhat L shaped with one leg 83 extending substantially parallel to the panel 31 and provides one side of the opening for receiving the panel 31 and the continuous resilient strip 51. The other leg 84 of the rail 53 extends perpendicularly from the leg 83 and panel 31. A portion of the leg 84 extends outwardly perpendicularly away from the leg 84 to form a foot member 85. The foot member 85 serves as a stop when the latch 30 is moved from a closed to an open position as best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. The rail 53 has an enlarged portion 86 where the legs 83 and 84 meet which has a rounded channel 87 therein for re ceiving a rounded member 90 of the latch 30. The member 90 serves as a hinge and provides the pivot point for the latch 30 to be moved from opening to closing position and vice versa.

The lock stile 41, well as the various rails, stiles. jambs. headers and sills. are preferably extruded metal shapes, with aluminum being the preferred metal. The term aluminum includes aluminum and aluminum alloys used in the making of windows and doors. The locking rail 53 of the lock stile 41 provides the seat for the latch 30 which is mounted therein at a central position as best seen in FIG. 1.

The latch 30 is also an extruded aluminum shape and in cross-section, has a latching member 91 extending outwardly from the hinge 90 and a U-shaped" web 92 also extending therefrom. A handle 93 is joined to the web 92. The latching member 91 is of somewhat thicker or heavier construction than the web 92 and handle 93. On one end of the latching member 91 is formed a catch 94. A second catch 95 is formed on the member 91 on an intermediate position thereon and substantially parallel to the catch 94. The internal surfaces 96 and 97 of the catches 94 and 95, respectively. are so constructed or adapted to engage the meeting surface 63 on the enlarged portion 61 of the flange or projection 62 on the web 50 of the vent jamb 18.

When the latch 30 is in a closed position, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the intermediate catch 95 is adjacent the meeting surface 63. The latching member 91 is of such length that the end of the catch 94 extends to the web 50. The double catch feature provides a more secure method of fixing a movable sash in a closed position.

The handle 93 has a member 98 which joins the handle to the web 92 and is substantially parallel to the panel 24 when the latch is in a locked position. Another member 99 extends outwardly and perpendicularly from the member 98. The members 98 and 99 form the pull rail area of the latch 30.

The U-shaped web 92 comprises the base member I00 and legs 101 and 102 on each end thereof extending perpendicularly therefrom. The leg I01 connects the base member 100 with the handle member 98 and the leg I02 joins said base member with latching mem ber 91. The leg I02 is somewhat thicker than the leg 101 to provide additional strength in the safety latch 30. A projection or stop 103 is also integrally formed on the leg I02 and faces the locking rail 53. The projection 103 serves as a stop to prevent the handle 93 from being pushed inwardly toward the glass panel 3! further than desired.

The latch structure or mechanism is completed by a flat bow spring 89 (FIG. 6) which is positioned longitudinally in a channel or groove 88 on the internal surface of the leg I02, with both ends of the spring freely engaging the top and bottom of the handle at points just above and below the respective ends of the channel. The spring 89 has been omitted from FIG. 2 of the drawings in order that the channel 88 may be more clearly seen. The spring is readily seen in FIGS. 3-5. The spring is of such length that in its normally installed position it is slightly flexed so that the ends thereof rest on the top and bottom of the handle just above and below the channel 88. In FIG. 3, with the latch in a closed position. the spring is of such configuration, that the bow thereof is in pressure contact with the leg 84 of the rail 53. This pressure keeps the latch closed until the handle 30 is moved in the direction of the arrow 110 as indicated in FIG. 4. When the latch is in an open position as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, additional pressure is exerted against the center portion or bow of the spring and the spring is accordingly lengthened, the ends thereof moving away from contact with the top and bottom of the handle. The configuration of the spring 89 is such that the bowed portion thereof projects outwardly of the channel 88 toward the leg 84 of the rail 53.

In FIG. 2, the panels 24 and 28 are in a closed position. with the latch 30 in a locked position. To reach the latch 30, to open the panel 24, the sash 28 is slidably moved away from the vent jamb 18 (as seen in FIG. 3) a sufficient distance to expose the latch 30. Once the latch 30 is exposed. the latch is opened by applying pressure in the direction of the arrow I10. In FIG. 4, the latch 30 has been opened. As seen in FIG. 5, the panel 24 has been moved away from the jamb 18 by applying pressure on the handle 93 in the direction of the arrow 11].

The novel latch of the present invention. not only provides increased security. but with the handle incorporated directly into the latch, eliminates the necessity of having a pull stile extruded into the moving sash jamb stile.

Removal of the storm sash is identical to that of the prime sash. The head track is over twice as deep as the sill track so that the sash can be lifted high enough to clear the sill to remove it. but yet be retained in the tracks during normal sideways sliding of the storm sash.

A vinyl track in each the head and sill tracks serves as seal on rails and provides low friction sliding.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof and various changes in the size. shape and materials. as well as in the details of the illustrated construction. may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

I. A unitary extruded aluminum shape safety latch for sliding windows comprising a rounded hinge member; a latching member extending outwardly therefrom. a U-shaped web extending downwardly therefrom; a pull handle extending outwardly from said web and away from said latching member. and a catch on the end of said latching member; and U-shaped web com prising a base member. a leg extending from one end thereof joining said latching member and said rounded hinge member. and another leg extending from the other end of said base member and joining said pull handle; and. said leg of said U-shaped member. which joins said latching member and said rounded hinge member, having a channel formed on the internal surface thereof adapted to receive a flat bow spring.

2. The safety latch of claim I, wherein said latching member has a second catch integrally formed therewith and adjacent to said first named catch.

3. The safety latch of claim 1 including a flat bow spring and means on said U-shaped web for engaging and retaining said spring thereon.

4. The safety latch of claim 1. wherein said pull handle comprises a member extending outwardly from said another leg of said U-shaped web and a member extending outwardly away from and substantially at a right angle to said first named member.

5. A latching mechanism for sliding windows. comprising a unitary safety latch. a flat bow spring and a lock stile adapted to receive said safety latch; said safety latch comprising a rounded hinge member; a latching member extending outwardly therefrom; a U- shaped web extending downwardly therefrom; a pull handle extending outwardly from said web and away from said latching member; and a catch on the end of said latching member; said U-shaped web comprising a base member. a leg extending from one end thereof joining said latching member and said rounded hinge member. and another leg extending from the other end of said base member and joining said pull handle; said leg of said U-shaped member. which joins said latching member and said rounded hinge member. having a channel formed on the internal surface thereof adapted to receive a flat bow spring; said rounded hinge member being adapted to be pivotally received by a rounded channel therefor on said lock stile; rounded channel means on said lock stile for pivotally receiving said rounded hinge member; and, means on said safety latch for engaging and retaining said spring and said spring being positioned on said latch so as to be between said latch and said locking stile. whereby when said handle of said latch is moved inwardly, pressure is applied on said spring tending to cause it to move towards a flattened position.

6. The latching mechanism of claim 5, wherein said latching member has a second catch integrally formed therewith and adjacent to said first named catch.

7. The latching mechanism of claim 5. including a window jamb and projection means on said jamb for engaging said catch of said latching member,

8. The latching mechanism of claim 7. wherein said pull handle comprises a member extending outwardly from said another leg of said U-shaped web and a member extending outwardly away from and substantially at a right angle to said first named member,

9. In a window construction. a rectangular window frame. a window sash slidably mounted in said window frame between open and closed position. and latch means associated with a frame element of said window frame and an adjacent frame element of said window sash in the closed position of said window sash for normally retaining said window sash against movement from closed to open position; said latch means including, a projection member in said window frame element defining a catch surface perpendicular to the path of sliding movement of said window sash. a unitary safety latch. a lock stile on said window sash for retaining said safety latch. and a spring means on said safety latch for maintaining said safety latch in engaging position on said projection member; said unitary safety latch comprising a rounded hinge member. a latching member extending outwardly therefrom. a U-shaped web extending downwardly therefrom. a pull handle extending outwardly from said web and away from said latching member. and a catch on the end of said latching memher; said Ll-shaped web comprising a base member. a leg extending from one end thereof joining said latehing member and said rounded hinge member. and another leg extending from the other end of said base member and joining said pull handle; said leg of said U shaped member. which joins said latching member and said rounded hinge member. having a channel formed on the internal surface thereof adapted to receive said spring means; said rounded hinge member being adapted to be received by a rounded channel therefor on said lock stile; and. said lock stile having a rounded channel therein for pivotally receiving said rounded hinge member.

10. The window construction of claim 9, wherein said spring means comprises a Hat bow spring and means on said U-shaped web for engaging and retaining said spring thereon.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 3,893,261

DATED July 8 1975 |NVENTOR(S) I James T. Cribben It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 10, "or" should read of Column 2, line 63, "twich" should read twice Column 3, line 12, "slide" should read slid Column 3, line 30, "projecting 57" should read projection 57 Column 6, line 18, "and U-shaped" should read said U-shaped Column 7, line 4, "Claim 7" should read Claim 5 Signed and Sealed this twenty-eight D 3) Of October 1 975 [SEAL] A ttest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Officer (ummr'ssrmu'r uj'Parenrs and Trademarks 

1. A unitary extruded aluminum shape safety latch for sliding windows comprising a rounded hinge member; a latching member extending outwardly therefrom; a U-shaped web extending downwardly therefrom; a pull handle extending outwardly from said web and away from said latching member, and a catch on the end of said latching member; and U-shaped web comprising a base member, a leg extending from one end thereof joining said latching member and said rounded hinge member, and another leg extending from the other end of said base member and joining said pull handle; and, said leg of said U-shaped member, which joins said latching member and said rounded hinge member, having a channel formed on the internal surface thereof adapted to receive a flat bow spring.
 2. The safety latch of claim 1, wherein said latching member has a second catch integrally formed therewith and adjacent to said first named catch.
 3. The safety latch of claim 1 including a flat bow spring and means on said U-shaped web for engaging and retaining said spring thereon.
 4. The safety latch of claim 1, wherein said pull handle comprises a member extending outwardly from said another leg of said U-shaped web and a member extending outwardly away from and substantially at a right angle to said first named member.
 5. A latching mechanism for sliding windows, comprising a unitary safety latch, a flat bow spring and a lock stile adapted to receive said safety latch; said safety latch comprising a rounded hinge member; a latching member extending outwardly therefrom; a U-shaped web extending downwardly therefrom; a pull handle extending outwardly from said web and away from said latching member; and a catch on the end of said latching member; said U-shaped web comprising a base member, a leg extending from one end thereof joining said latching member and said rounded hinge member, and another leg extending from the other end of said base member and joining said pull handle; said leg of said U-shaped member, which joins said latching member and said rounded hinge member, having a channel formed on the internal surface thereof adapted to receive a flat bow spring; said rounded hinge member being adapted to be pivotally received by a rounded channel therefor on said lock stile; rounded channel means on said lock stile for pivotally receiving said rounded hinge member; and, means on said safety latch for engaging and retaining said spring and said spring being positioned on said latch so as to be between said latch and said locking stile, whereby when said handle of said latch is moved inwardly, pressure is applied on said spring tending to cause it to move towards a flattened position.
 6. The latching mechanism of claim 5, wherein said latching member has a second catch integrally formed therewith and adjacent to said first named catch.
 7. The latching mechanism of claim 5, including a window jamb and projection means on said jamb for engaging said catch of said latching member.
 8. The latching mechanism of claim 7, wherein said pull handle comprises a member extending outwardly from said another leg of said U-shaped web and a member extending outwardly away from and substantially at a right angle to said first named member.
 9. In a window construction, a rectangular window frame, a window sash slidably mounted in said window frame between open and closed position, and latch means associated with a frame element of said window frame and an adjacent frame element of said window sash in the closed position of said window sash for normally retaining said window sash against movement from closed to open position; said latch means including, a projection member in said window frame element defining a catch surface perpendicular to the path of sliding movement of said window sash, a unitary safety latch, a lock stile on said window sash for retaining said safety latch, and a spring means on said safety latch for maintaining said safety latch in engaging position on said projection member; said unitary safety latch comprising a rounded hinge member, a latching member extending outwardly therefrom, a U-shaped web extending downwardly therefrom, a pull handle extending outwardly from said web and away from said latching member, and a catch on the end of said latching member; said U-shaped web comprising a base member, a leg extending from one end thereof joining said latching member and said rounded hinge member, and another leg extending from the other end of said base member and joining said pull handle; said leg of said U-shaped member, which joins said latching member and said rounded hinge member, having a channel formed on the internal surface thereof adapted to receive said spring means; said rounded hinge member being adapted to be received by a rounded channel therefor on said lock stile; and, said lock stile having a rounded channel therein for pivotally receiving said rounded hinge member.
 10. The window construction of claim 9, wherein said spring means comprises a flat bow spring and means on said U-shaped web for engaging and retaining said spring thereon. 